Eureka Native Michael Roy Powell, 62, Remembered as a ‘Forever Friend’

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Michael Roy Powell
June 25, 1963 – February 11, 2026

Michael Roy Powell, 62, passed away on February 11, 2026, after a fierce and courageous 8-month and 2-day battle with brain cancer. A true son of Eureka born and raised, Mike’s life was defined by precision, adventure, and an unwavering loyalty to those he loved.

A 1981 graduate of Eureka High School, Mike’s roots in the community ran deep. He grew up as a member of the Humboldt Archers, a passion he carried throughout his adult life. Alongside his father, George, Mike purchased a Venture 25 sailboat, teaching himself the art of the wind. This began a lifelong love affair with the water and the Humboldt Yacht Club, where he eventually served with pride as both Rear and Vice Commodore.

Mike was a man of many talents and sharp focus. Whether he was fencing, camping, hunting, or engaging in competitive shooting and archery (including USPSA, IDPA, and Skeet), he approached every hobby with the same technical mind that made him a master machinist in the
plastic injection industry.

Above all, Mike was a “forever friend.” If you were lucky enough to be in his inner circle, you had a protector and a companion for life. He shared his biggest moments with his lifelong friend, Deece, serving as the best man at his wedding and becoming the Godfather to all of Deece’s children. Together, they believed they could make anything they put their minds to. Mike was always happy to tackle any project—from building circuit boards to renovating vintage trailers and everything in between—alongside years of camping trips, gold
mining, or just meeting up for lunch or dinner (where even the restaurant experiences could be an adventure). Deece is now keeping his promise to Mike by building the boat that will hold Mike’s ashes.

Mike also shared a close bond with his cousin Linda and her husband, Joe. You could often find the guys talking about their next escape room adventure, vacation, or concert trip, finding the next great ethnic food restaurant, or hunting through gun shops for the next
great deal. Joe took Mike on his last road trip in November, and Mike enjoyed every moment of it. Recently, Mike had made a list of things he wanted to do and people he wanted to spend more time with; one of those wishes was having his sister, Heidi, make a low-country boil for him again.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Polly Powell, and his grandparents, Roy and Gerti Powell, and Elmo Howard.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 35 years, Christina; his sister, Heidi (Mike) Faulk; his foster brother, Michael (Kim) Thallheimer; and a legacy of nieces and nephews, including Jessica, Christopher, Peter (Riane), Eric (Regina), Jon (Tara), and Adam. He was a proud
“Great-Uncle” to five nephews and three nieces, and a beloved figure to his godchildren, Ami, Gary, and Naomi. He is also survived by his aunts, Marsha and Carol, and his cousins, Linda, Deanna, Lori, Lisa, Tammy, Lisa, and Steve.

Michael will be profoundly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was surrounded by beautiful support from family and friends during this tough fight.

A lunch and service to remember his life will be held on June 25th—on what would have been his 63rd birthday—in Klamath Falls. The gathering will take place from noon to 2:00 PM at Abby’s Legendary Pizza (1919 Austin St, Klamath Falls, OR 97603). All are welcome to come share a story and have some lunch. Following the service, his interment will take place at the family plot in the Keno Cemetery.

Additionally, a small get-together to celebrate the 45th anniversary of when Mike and Christina met as teenagers and became friends will be held at Big Lagoon in Trinidad on September 5th at noon at the campground where he sailed many hours away on Big Lagoon.